University Review – RWTH Aachen

For long, the USA has reigned supreme as the preferred study abroad destination for many Indian students. Having some of the finest universities for many specializations, it is a definite choice for many. But with increasing awareness and understanding of specializations, courses, and job opportunities post-study,  other countries like Canada, Germany, and Scandinavian countries are becoming increasingly popular.

In fact, what makes the prospect of studying in these countries more attractive is the wonderfully low costs of living, high-quality social welfare, access to cutting-edge scientific innovations and developments, and most importantly, world-class higher education for free!

Yes, you read that right – most of the European countries have made higher education free in order to encourage young people to enroll in their universities, a benefit that has increasingly been reaped by Indian students too.

In that aspect, here’s a detailed expert review of one of the most popular universities in Germany, RWTH Aachen.

RWTH Aachen, located in the picturesque city of Aachen, Germany, was established in 1870 and is today one of the finest research-driven universities in Germany.

With more than 42,000 students across 144 programs and disciplines, it is also the largest technical university in the country.

What Is a Technical University?

• Technical Universities (Hochschule)
• University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule)

What’s the difference?

Technical University (TU) or Hochschule is a higher education institution that offers a highly research-centric Master’s degree. It is ideal for students who are looking to become subject experts or academicians in their respective fields of interest. Students who are looking to pursue their PhDs are also usually advised to target TUs.

On the other hand, University of Applied Sciences (UAS) or Fachhochschule offers a Master’s degree with a more hands-on approach, with a deeper focus on practical, real-world application and is not as theory-oriented as the Technical University. Usually, students enrolled in the university have to compulsorily undertake an industrial training/internship as part of their curriculum.

Generally, Universities of Applied Sciences only offer bachelor’s and master’s degree, as they do not undertake any research. However, Technical Universities offer PhDs too, as they are more academically inclined than Applied Sciences. Students who apply to Technical Universities are of a more academic bent of mind; those applying to Applied Sciences are usually desirous of vocational training and aim to secure employment.

Admissions Eligibility

With an acceptance rate of about 10%, RWTH Aachen is one of the most selective schools in Europe, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence. Therefore, a stellar academic record is a definite prerequisite, but in addition to that, there are several other criteria you must fulfill in order to qualify for admissions.

#1: A qualifying undergraduate degree: You must have, at the time of applying, successfully completed an undergraduate degree from a recognized university, with a good CGPA. Because the Master’s degree at RWTH Aachen is consecutive, that is, it enhances the knowledge developed in your undergraduate degree, your degree must be in a relevant field.

According to the official website, “…Most of the Master’s courses of study at RWTH Aachen are consecutive. This means that the Bachelor’s degree provides the subject background and preparation for the Master’s. Thus, it is not possible to have completed a Bachelor’s in philosophy but then pursue a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering.”

#2: Demonstration of language skills: The language of instruction for most courses at RWTH Aachen is German, therefore the applicant must be able to demonstrate a strong command over the language by furnishing the necessary language certificates. If you are not fluent in German, however, don’t fret! You may enroll for German language courses at the Goethe-Institute in your city of residence, or you can opt to study through the Deutsch-Uni-Online or DUO, which offers recognized online language courses.

Additionally, you may also choose to undertake the German language course offered at RWTH Aachen, which prepares you for several German language tests for a nominal fee. For further information on language requirements, please visit the official website.

#3: Completion of application: The online application form must be duly filled and sent to the Admissions Office before the deadline date for your application to be considered for admissions. There are also copies of several supporting documents that must be furnished in addition to the application form. They include:

a) A comprehensive resume, which covers all your prior academic and professional experiences, including internships, study abroad programs, volunteer work, projects, awards, recognitions, etc.

b) A letter of motivation, which must answer the following questions satisfactorily:

What perceptions do you have when thinking of studies in Germany?

Why do you want to study at RWTH Aachen?

Why do you want to study this specific subject?

Please mention your past academic or university experiences.

Where did you receive information about RWTH Aachen and your desired subject?

What career prospects do you hope to obtain by studying at RWTH Aachen?

c) Official university transcripts that detail the courses that were undertaken and the grades obtained in them. If your transcripts are in any language other than English or German, they must be translated into English or German before being mailed.

[Read]: How to Convert Your CGPA to Match German University Standards!

d) If applicable, a copy of the degree certificate obtained upon the successful completion of your undergraduate degree.

e) Several Master’s programs, such as MS in Mechanical Engineering, require the completion of an additional form. Therefore, while applying, do take cognizance of any additional documents that you may be required to submit.

f) German language test scores, if the test has already been taken.

Popular Courses 

1. Automotive Engineering
2. Biomedical Engineering
3. Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, and Computer Engineering with specialization in Communications Engineering, Micro- and Nanoelectronics or Electrical Power Engineering
4. Media Informatics
5. Metallurgical Engineering
6. Physics
7. Software Systems Engineering
8. Simulation Sciences
9. Sustainable Management

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines for

• Winter ’18 intake is July 15th, 2018, 
• Summer’18 intake is January 15th, 2018.

However, most Master’s programs only have a winter intake, so make sure you apply on time!

Life at RWTH Aachen

Life at RWTH is an exciting, dynamic one, with students from over 130 countries living and studying on campus. With a sprawling, 620-acre campus located in the heart of the city, RWTH Aachen is a truly global campus, bringing to you the best of cutting-edge infrastructural facilities to make your stay a breeze.

Facilities

The campus is fully equipped with world-class facilities, including the Main Building, the SuperC Students’ Center, the Audimax, and the main refectory. The campus also boasts of a scenic botanical garden.

In 2017, the construction of Central Auditorium for Research and Learning (CARL) was completed. The auditorium, which houses a number of lecture halls, has a capacity of 4000 students and is the very symbol of RWTH’s glory and pride.

Accommodation

Unlike the American universities, campus accommodation is not available in most German universities. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to search and apply for housing around the campus. To make your apartment hunting easier, please visit the website to find further information about how and where to apply for accommodation. 
If you are still stuck, you can email the International Office Housing Service, who will be happy to help you out.

Fees

Although tuition at RWTH is free, there are several other financial obligations you will have as a student at the university. Please find below a comprehensive tabulation of the fees you will be required to pay every month:  

Source: University Official Website

We hope you found this university review helpful!

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